Compositions and methods relating to carotenoids

Abstract

A pet food composition having at least two carotenoids. The carotenoids can include a keto-carotenoid and at least one non-keto-carotenoid. The keto-carotenoid can include astaxanthin. The keto-carotenoid can include astaxanthin ester. The non-keto-carotenoid can include beta-carotene and/or lutein.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A pet food composition comprising at least three carotenoids, the at least three carotenoids consisting essentially of an astaxanthin ester, a beta-carotene, a lutein, and a pet food composition, wherein the pet food composition is selected from the group consisting of daily feed, wet food, supplements, treats, and combinations thereof, and wherein said pet food composition comprises a meat protein source selected from the group consisting of casein, albumin, beef, pork, lamb, poultry, fish, and mixtures thereof; said composition being further characterized in that:
 i) the ratio of the beta-carotene to the lutein to the to the astaxanthin ester is from about 1:1:0.6 to about 10:1:3.5; or 
 ii) the ratio of the beta-carotene to the lutein to the to the astaxanthin ester is from about 1:1:0.6 to about 1:10:3.5 
 ii) the ratio of the beta-carotene to the lutein to the to the astaxanthin ester is from about 1:1:0.002 to about 10:1:0.1; or 
 iii) the ratio of the beta-carotene to the lutein to the to the astaxanthin ester is from about 1:1:0.002 to about 1:10:0.1.